Before changing lanes, you should:

Signal, check mirrors and look over your shoulder for blind spots

Maryland MVA Permit Practice Test

The Maryland MVA knowledge test has 25 questions; to pass you need 88% or higher (22 of 25 correct answers). Practice free with questions based on the official Maryland driver handbook, with every answer explained.

Updated on 2026-11-06 · Ver en español

DMVPermitUSA is an independent study tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration or any other government agency. Requirements were checked against official Maryland sources (listed below) and can change: always confirm with the MVA before your test.

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Maryland permit test at a glance

Agency	Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)
Test questions	25
Passing score	88% or higher (22 of 25 correct answers)
Minimum permit age	15 years 9 months years old
Permit holding period	9 months
Supervised driving	60 hours, including 10 at night, for drivers under 25 (drivers 25 and older need 14 hours, including 3 at night).
Provisional license from	age 16½
Full license	at 18
Test languages	Offered in 17 languages, including English, Spanish and American Sign Language (by video).
Official handbook	Maryland Driver's Manual

Try 5 Maryland permit test questions

How many questions are on the Maryland MVA knowledge test? 25 / 15 / 35 / 45. Answer: 25. To pass: 88% or higher (22 of 25 correct answers).
In Maryland, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and over? 0.02% / 0.05% / 0.08% / 0.10%. Answer: 0.08%. As in almost every state, the limit in Maryland is 0.08% for drivers 21 and over; 0.04% for commercial drivers, and zero tolerance under 21.
Before changing lanes, you should: Only check your mirrors / Signal, check mirrors and look over your shoulder for blind spots / Speed up first / Honk to warn other drivers. Answer: Signal, check mirrors and look over your shoulder for blind spots. Signal, check your mirrors, then turn your head to check your blind spot before moving over.
A downward-pointing triangle with a red border means: Stop / Yield the right-of-way / Railroad crossing / No passing zone. Answer: Yield the right-of-way. The red-and-white inverted triangle is the YIELD sign: slow down, be ready to stop, and let traffic and pedestrians with the right-of-way go first.
A flashing red traffic light means: Slow down / Stop, then go when safe / Stop and wait for green / The light is broken, ignore it. Answer: Stop, then go when safe. Treat a flashing red light like a STOP sign: stop completely, then proceed when the way is clear.

How the Maryland MVA permit test works

The Maryland knowledge test (the learner's permit test) has 25 multiple-choice questions, and to pass you need 88% or higher (22 of 25 correct answers). Every question comes from the official MVA handbook, the Maryland Driver's Manual.

Taken in person on a computer at an MVA branch office, together with a vision screening. You have 20 minutes to finish the test.

After a first failure you may retest as soon as the next business day if an appointment is available. After two or more failures you must wait at least seven calendar days.

Offered in 17 languages, including English, Spanish and American Sign Language (by video).

Maryland learner's permit requirements

In Maryland you can apply for a learner's permit at 15 years 9 months. Applicants under 18 usually need a parent or guardian's consent.

An MVA-approved driver education course with 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

Before the road test, teen drivers must hold the permit for at least 9 months. Supervised driving required: 60 hours, including 10 at night, for drivers under 25 (drivers 25 and older need 14 hours, including 3 at night).

Proof of identity and date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport).
Your Social Security number, if you have one.
Proof of Maryland residency.
A vision screening and the knowledge test.

The MVA publishes the exact document list: check it before your appointment, especially if you want a REAL ID-compliant card.

Maryland graduated driver licensing (GDL)

After the learner stage and the road test, teens can get a provisional (intermediate) license from age 16½.

Provisional drivers under 18 may not drive from midnight to 5 a.m. unless a qualified supervising driver is with them or another listed exception applies. For the first 151 days they may not carry passengers under 18 who are not immediate family unless a qualified supervising driver is in the car.

Restrictions end and you hold a full, unrestricted license at 18, provided your record stays clean.

Maryland rules worth knowing for the test

Signs and most rules are the same nationwide, but each state has its own laws — and the MVA test asks about them.

The 60 practice hours are on top of the 6 behind-the-wheel hours from driver education, and must be recorded in a signed practice log that you bring to the provisional license appointment.
A moving violation or probation before judgment while you hold the learner's permit restarts the waiting period, which becomes nine months.
Supervising drivers must be at least 21 years old and have held a license for at least three years.
The MVA offers a free online practice tutorial with 25 questions per practice test, the same number as the real knowledge test.

What the Maryland knowledge test covers

Topics follow the chapters of the MVA handbook. These are the ones asked most often:

Road signs by shape and color (federal MUTCD standard): see the road signs guide.
Right-of-way at 4-way stops, left turns, crosswalks and for emergency vehicles: right-of-way rules.
Speed limits in mph and the 3-second following rule: speed guide.
Alcohol and drugs: the 0.08% BAC limit, zero tolerance under 21 and implied consent.
Traffic signals and pavement markings, parking, passing, and sharing the road with cyclists, motorcycles and trucks.

How to study for the Maryland permit test

Read the official MVA handbook once cover to cover, then take practice tests by topic to find your weak spots. Once you consistently score above 90%, take a full timed mock exam.

Drill the numbers — ages, distances, speed and BAC limits — they are the most-missed questions. More tips in how to pass the permit test.

How to get your learner's permit in Maryland

Check the minimum age In Maryland, you can apply for a learner's permit at 15 years 9 months.
Complete the required course An MVA-approved driver education course with 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
Study the handbook and practice Read the official MVA handbook and take practice tests until you pass comfortably.
Gather your documents Proof of identity, Social Security number and Maryland residency; parental consent if under 18.
Pass the vision and knowledge tests To pass you need 88% or higher (22 of 25 correct answers).
Drive supervised Hold the permit for at least 9 months. Supervised driving: 60 hours, including 10 at night, for drivers under 25 (drivers 25 and older need 14 hours, including 3 at night).
Take the road test From age 16½ you can get a provisional license.

Maryland permit test FAQ

How many questions are on the Maryland permit test?

The Maryland knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions.

What score do you need to pass the Maryland permit test?

You need 88% or higher (22 of 25 correct answers).

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Maryland?

You can apply at 15 years 9 months. Applicants under 18 usually need a parent or guardian's consent.

How long do you have to hold your permit in Maryland?

At least 9 months for teen drivers. Supervised driving required: 60 hours, including 10 at night, for drivers under 25 (drivers 25 and older need 14 hours, including 3 at night).

Can I take the Maryland permit test in Spanish?